Edge of the Box

Objective

• -Exploit the area around goal after a turnover
• -Take quick shots from central spaces
• -Move defenders to create a shooting lane

Setup

1. 1Mark a 24 x 18 yard area with a larger shooting zone at one end.
2. 2Place two mini goals in the shooting end and one at the opposite end.
3. 3Split players into two teams, with one team starting as attackers and the other as defenders.
4. 4Keep balls with the coach at the top of the area.

How to play

1. 1The coach plays a ball into the top of the area.
2. 2If attackers win it, they must get a shot away quickly at either mini goal.
3. 3If defenders win it, they clear into the opposite end and become the attackers.
4. 4After every finish, the coach restarts immediately.
5. 5Keep the action compact and fast.

Progressions

• +Switch To Score: two switches before scoring
• +Five Second Counter-Press: three seconds to win it back
• +Target Zone Bonus: only goals started from a pocket count
• +Add a competitive scoreline for the last round

Regressions

• -Switch To Score: switch earns a bonus point rather than being compulsory
• -Five Second Counter-Press: eight seconds and fewer opponents
• -Target Zone Bonus: widen the pocket zones
• -Simplify the area or the service until success returns

Variations

• -Switch To Score — A goal only counts after the ball has been switched from one side of the pitch to the other.
• -Five Second Counter-Press — On losing the ball the team has five seconds to win it back before dropping into shape.
• -Target Zone Bonus — Extra points for playing into marked pockets between the lines before finishing.
• -Overload Rotation — One team plays with an extra player for two minutes then the overload rotates.
• -Restart Realism — All restarts are played as in a match — throw-ins, goal kicks and corners rather than a coach ball.
• -Two-Goal Decision — Each team attacks two small goals, so defenders must decide which threat to cover.
• -Limited Touch Build-Up — Maximum three touches in your own half, unlimited once you pass the halfway line.
• -Flip the practice to the opposite side of the pitch

Common mistakes

• -Taking too many touches
• -Shoots from poor angles
• -Slow reaction to loose balls